FWR Dickson Wilderness Area receives facelift

The Grand River Conservation Authority says work has been completed to rebuild the 150-metre boardwalk and 375-metre trail leading from the parking lot on Spragues Road.

The GRCA says the new trail and boardwalk combination is now more accessible to those with restricted mobility.

The Grand River Conservation Foundation says the project received nearly $94,000 from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, along with funding from donors including the Cowan Foundation and Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.

A spokesperson says for many in Waterloo Region and Brant County, the gentle touch of a chickadee feeding from the palm of your hand is the first experience they’ll mention when asked about FWR Dickson Wilderness Area located south of Cambridge.

Generations of visitors have explored the wooden boardwalks and trails through the natural area since it first opened in 1963.

But visiting the area in recent years was becoming increasingly challenging due to a boardwalk and trails that had fallen into disrepair due to the heavy traffic.

FWR Dickson Wilderness Area was named after F. W. Roy Dickson (1898-1984) who taught science for 41 years at Kitchener Collegiate Institute.

The property is named after him because he was a founder of Waterloo Region Nature and frequently consulted on the identification of birds and plants.

Dickson was also a keen historian who helped plan Doon Pioneer Village.